Public Reforms Management In Africa

Expanding the Conversation on Public Finance Reform in Africa

In recent years, the discourse surrounding public finance reform in Africa has evolved from technical policy debates into a dynamic, multi-stakeholder movement aimed at reshaping the continent’s fiscal future.

This transformation was vividly illustrated at the landmark Public Finance Management (PFM) Conference held in Kampala, Uganda, in February 2025.

Hosted by the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), the African Union (AU), and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), the summit convened Africa’s leading financial minds to chart a bold new course for public finance governance.

The conference underscored the urgency of strengthening financial accountability, transparency, and professionalisation across African public institutions.

Opening remarks from key figures such as ICPAU President Josephine Okui Ossiya and AU Director of Finance Edith Akorfa Akua Lumor set the tone for a forward-looking dialogue. Their message was clear: Africa must build robust public finance systems to drive sustainable development and economic resilience.

Central to the conversation was the role of professional accountancy in the public sector. Leaders from PAFA, AFROPAC, and other regional bodies emphasized the need for skilled accountants to uphold integrity and accountability in government operations.

This was complemented by discussions on enhancing collaboration between Public Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) and Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), with the aim of elevating audit standards and financial oversight.

Another focal point was the fight against corruption and economic crimes. Transparency International and the African Development Bank (AfDB) joined forces with legislators and civil society representatives to explore strategies for combating illicit financial flows and reinforcing ethical governance. 

The dialogue also highlighted the potential of accrual-based reporting to improve fiscal transparency and resource allocation.

Parallel to these efforts, the African Development Bank’s Public Finance Management Academy for Africa (PFMA) launched a policy dialogue in Addis Ababa focused on sustainable debt management in fragile states.

With over 38 African countries facing varying degrees of debt distress, the PFMA initiative seeks to equip stakeholders with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to navigate fiscal challenges and optimize public debt strategies.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in West and Central Africa hosted a High-Level Regional Dialogue in Cotonou, Benin, aimed at modernizing public finance systems.

The event produced actionable recommendations for digital transformation, fiscal transparency, and regional collaboration. It also spotlighted the uneven progress across African nations, with many still grappling with weak institutional capacity and limited adoption of digital tools.

Together, these initiatives reflect a growing consensus: reforming public finance in Africa is not merely a technical exercise but a strategic imperative.

By expanding the conversation to include policymakers, financial experts, civil society, and international partners, Africa is laying the groundwork for a more accountable, transparent, and resilient fiscal future. The journey is far from over, but the momentum is unmistakable, and the stakes could not be higher.